Skagway is in negotiations with White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad, the major leaseholder on the waterfront. (Emily Files)

At a meeting Thursday, the Skagway Assembly will continue its discussion of a new tidelands agreement.

The draft memorandum of understanding outlines a new 15-year contract with White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad.

At its last meeting, the assembly made some changes to the document, including the provision that the city and White Pass would be joint cruise terminal operators. Right now, White Pass oversees cruise logistics.

If the assembly does approve an MOU, the agreement will go to voters. Borough Manager Scott Hahn says the goal is to hold a special election on the issue in December or January.

A draft request for proposals that would initiate work on a new floating dock is also on the agenda. Cruise industry leaders have urged Skagway to build the infrastructure by 2019, in preparation for larger classes of ships.

The new White Pass lease would clear the way for construction of the floating dock, and both parties would help pay for it. If the lease is not approved, it’s uncertain what would happen with the dock.

The assembly will also consider a solid waste rate hike. A utility rate study in 2015 recommended the city raise fees. Utilities are subsidized by sales tax and cruise passenger tax. If the assembly approved the adjustment, solid waste disposal rates would go up 9.5 percent.

The meeting is set for 7 p.m. Thursday in assembly chambers. It will be the final meeting before newly-elected assembly members and a mayor take their seats.